Which place is cheaper, Positano or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Positano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Positano? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Coimbra or Positano?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
Positano
Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.
The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Positano €222
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Positano is €222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Positano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Positano €148
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Positano €296
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Positano
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Positano? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Positano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Positano €7.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:
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Bus Ticket€1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano
Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- private transfer from Positano to Naples or reverse: $82
- private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES: $109
- Transfers Positano - Naples: $207
- Transfer- Naples Train Station/area to Positano with a stop Sorrento: $153
- Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
- Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
- Shared Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport: $41
- Private transfer from Positano to Salerno: $122
- Private transfer from Positano to Naples : $120
- Private transfer from Positano to Naples: $121
- Private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES with 3 hours stop in Pompeii: $191
- Private transfer Positano to Naples: $121
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Positano?
Prices for flights to both Positano and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCoimbra €48Positano €53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
Typical Food Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€31
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Pizza in a Restaurant€9.32
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Sandwich in a Restaurant€12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano
For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
- Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
- Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
- Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
- Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
- Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
- Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
- Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
- Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Positano €60
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
- Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano
For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande€17
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Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi€80
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Sunset Cruise€24
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Full Day Wine Tour€97
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Cooking Class€65
Tours and Activities in Positano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.
- Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
- Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
- Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
- Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
- Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
- Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
- Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
- Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
- Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
- Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Positano €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:
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Bottle of Limoncello€16
Sample the Local Flavors in Positano
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:
- 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
- Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
- Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Positano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Positano?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Positano, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Coimbra or Positano?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Coimbra or Positano in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Positano. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Coimbra is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Positano. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Positano 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Positano in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Positano. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.
In the autumn, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Positano. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Positano 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Positano in the Winter?
Both Positano and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Positano. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Positano 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Positano in the Spring?
Both Positano and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Coimbra is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Positano. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Positano. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Positano 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Positano and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Positano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.